Festival Activities

The Barton Health Festival of Trees and Lights is the premier holiday event in South Lake Tahoe.

Stroll through a holiday wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights on exquisitely decorated Christmas trees and glorious holiday decor! Vote for your favorite tree in the Festival's "People's Choice Award" contest. Settle down to watch the entertainment, bid in the silent auction, win big at the raffle, get a family photo with Santa, and take the kids to Teddy Bear Hospital. Kids will love Gingerbread Junction, where they can write a letter to Santa and drop it in the giant mailbox for express delivery to the North Pole. There is fun for everyone at the Festival of Trees and Lights, and it all raises funds for an important cause - supporting our community's health! The 2016 Festival of Trees and Lights will specifically benefit Barton Health's Cancer Wellness Programs.

Teddy Bear Hospital

Sponsored by: Tahoe Emergency Physicians Medical Corps

December 2-4 | Open during Public Viewing hours and during the Teddy Bear Brunch

Children ages 12 and under are invited to visit the Teddy Bear Hospital – a fun, interactive place where they learn about their health and hospitals in a safe, "no poke" environment from Barton Health's wonderfully caring doctors, nurses and staffers.

Each child will receive a free teddy bear as they are admitted to the Teddy Bear Hospital. Their journey through the emergency room, the operating room, and the doctor's office help build confidence and alleviate fears. Their "patient" teddy bear is theirs to take home and treasure this holiday season and for years to come.

The Festival owes much of its success to the many designers who create these one-of-a-kind items. Many of the trees glow with more than 2,500 lights and include gift packages ranging from exotic trips to unique items. Each tree is live auctioned at The Gala on December 3, 2016 and proceeds benefit the Community Health Endowment. Vote on your favorite tree for the "People's Choice Award"!

Raffles

December 1-4 | Open during public viewing hours

Each year, amazing items and packages donated by generous businesses and individuals are raffled off, and all proceeds raised benefit Barton Health's Cancer Wellness Programs. Raffle tickets are just $5 each. Look for the raffle sellers at Festival for your chance to buy tickets and win some amazing prizes. Last year one of the prizes was a family trip to Disneyland! Thank you to the generous businesses and individuals who have donated items.

Mrs. Claus' Gift Shop

December 1-4 | Open during public viewing hours

The Barton Auxiliary creates the most wonderful holiday store! Shop here for ornaments, décor, See's candies and of course, their world-famous cheese balls!

South Lake Tahoe's premier event is a not-to-be-missed, black-tie dinner, live auction, and fundraiser. Complete with a 5-course meal, exclusive silent auction, signature cocktail, dancing, and so much more, this memorable event raises funds for the Barton Foundation's Community Health Endowment.

The Fund-a-Need appeal at The Gala raises funds for Barton Health's Cancer Wellness Programs.
Reservations Required, Black Tie Optional. For tickets, or to purchase a table, call the Barton Foundation at 530-543-5614.

Ticket Prices:

Individual Admission: $200 per person

Patron Table of 10: $2,500 per table

Benefactor Table of 10: $3,500 per table
(Exclusive white-glove service, specialty wine, premier live auction seating, and standout decor.) Only 4 benefactor tables are available each year - this year they are SOLD OUT!

Teddy Bear Brunch

Sponsored by: Tahoe Refuse & Recycling Services

Sunday, December 4, 2016 | 10am to noon

Teddy Bear Brunch includes food and fun for the entire family. In addition to coloring books, crayons, and a goody bag for each child, kids will enjoy crafts, Teddy Bear Hospital, and a photo with Santa! Bring a favorite teddy bear from home, or from the Teddy Bear Hospital, to be pampered and dressed. Purchase tickets online. Get your tickets early - this event sells out!

Adults (13 and over), $35. Children (2-12), $25. Children under 2 years old are FREE!

Senior Stroll

All seniors are invited to attend the Festival for FREE and enjoy a host of special holiday activities in addition to fun raffles, and free pastries and coffee.

Admission: FREE for seniors 55+

Thank You to Our Sponsors

About Us

The Festival is held the first weekend of December inside the Montbleu Resort Convention Center. Designers and volunteers work feverishly for days before the event to transform the Convention Center into a holiday wonderland!